Teacher slated for arraignment today

MIDDLETOWN -- A former teacher accused of having sexual contact with a male resident at the state's maximum-security juvenile facility is scheduled to be arraigned today.

AMY L. ZITKA

Published
12:00 am EDT, Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Lauren Glazier, 32, of Saybrook Road, Haddam, is expected to appear in Middlesex Superior Court on sexual assault charges. Glazier, a former math teacher at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, was arrested by state police on a warrant Aug. 5 and charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault. She remains free on a $5,000 non-surety bond.

State Police Troop F in Westbrook received a complaint on March 1 from administrative staff at the Silver Street facility in Middletown, said Det. James McGlynn, of the Central District Major Crime Squad. In the complaint, police were told a school employee had witnessed sexually inappropriate behavior between a teacher and a 16-year-old male resident inside a classroom, the detective said.

Following an extensive investigation, it was determined that while Glazier was employed at the facility she allegedly had sexual contact with a resident, police said.

When the state Department of Children and Families learned of the alleged sexual contact on March 1, Glazier was placed on administrative leave, according to DCF officials. The state department oversees the 240-bed facility. After the police were notified, DCF began its own investigation.

On May 2 Glazier was terminated from her position on May 2, according to DCF officials. A week later, DCF concluded its investigation, which substantiated sexual abuse as well as physical and emotional abuse and moral neglect, DCF officials said.

Detectives filed for an arrest warrant, which was issued by Middlesex Superior Court officials. Glazier turned herself in to state police detectives in Westbrook.

Second-degree sexual assault is a felony, according to state law.

A person is charged with second-degree sexual assault intercourse took place and the victim is in custody of the law or detained in a hospital or institution and the person facing charges has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the other person, according to state law.

A person may also be charged with second-degree sexual assault if the relationship involves a school employee and a student, even if the student is over the age of 16.

If convicted of one count of second-degree sexual assault, a person could face between one and 10 years in prison, of which nine months can not be suspended, according to state law.